What is the shot clock in basketball
The shot clock is a digital device, generally implemented within certain types of formal basketball games, that begins a countdown at a specific time frame such as 24 seconds until it reaches its final number of 0.
Additionally, once the shot clock timer reaches zero, the device would sound an alarm, typically in the form of a horn that would also be unique in relation to the scoreboard’s or game clock’s audible sound (generally a buzzer), which would occur at the end of periods or during substitutions.
Why is the shot clock generally beneficial
The shot clock is generally beneficial to the game of basketball because it could be used to speed up the pace of the game, which could help players and spectators stay interested and engaged.
Moreover, the shot clock could create more viable possessions for both teams, which in turn, could potentially increase scoring outputs.
Besides that, the shot also clock prevents certain teams from potentially gaining an unequal upper hand of some sort.
For example, without the shot clock in effect, a team could apply the strategy of old-fashioned stall ball by holding the ball and only passing it when absolutely necessary such as to avoid a five-second closely guarded violation.
This stall ball strategy would be extremely favorable for that team, especially when they are winning the game by at least a few points and/or when they are not as talented/skilled as their opponent.
As a result of those stalling actions, the opposing team may not gain as many offensive possessions, which in turn, means less points that could have been scored by that same team.
The shot clock eliminates this possible unfair advantage by effectively forcing both teams to attempt a field goal within a certain amount of time.
When does the shot clock start or stop
Shot clock start rule
Generally speaking, the shot clock starts once a player on an offensive team gains control/possession of the basketball.
From that point, once an offensive player gains control of the ball, that same player and/or other offensive teammates on the court would then have a certain amount of time to attempt a field goal before the shot clock reaches zero.
However, there is a unique exception to this primary shot clock rule that would apply during a throw-in, which could also be referred to as an inbound pass.
Basically, during a throw-in, the shot clock would start when the ball comes in legal contact by any player on the court.
In other words, during the throw-in, a player does not necessarily need to gain full control of the ball to start/continue the shot clock.
Shot clock stop rule
In general, the shot clock only stops when a defensive player is the last to touch the ball and it goes out of bounds or gets batted into the basket ring from below.
If that occurs, the offensive team should receive the ball for a throw-in opportunity but the shot clock should not reset either.
Basically, the offensive team should only have whatever time was remaining on the shot clock prior to the defensive team touching the ball last.
What is a shot clock violation
A shot clock violation is an infraction that occurs once the shot clock timer reaches zero and an offensive team still has control of the ball.
Following that, the offensive team would be penalized by losing possession of the basketball via turnover and the opposing team would receive the ball at the nearest sideline where the played was stopped but not as close to the baseline than the free throw line extended.
To prevent a shot clock violation from happening, an offensive team and more specifically, an offensive player on a particular team, would have to shoot the basketball, which also means that the player/team is no longer in possession/control of it.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that when an offensive player shoots the ball, that same player’s attempt would have to make contact with the rim, particularly to reset the shot clock in the event of an offensive rebound.
In other words, when an offensive player attempts a field goal that results in an air ball and this is followed up by an offensive rebound for a possible second chance opportunity, the shot clock would not reset.
What this also means is that if an air ball occurs during or after the sounding of the shot clock alarm and a team tries to gains possession of the ball again via an offensive rebound, then this would automatically result in a shot clock violation.
What are the common types of shot clock lengths
35 seconds
A shot clock of 35 seconds was previously implemented in NCAA college basketball but it is currently being utilized at the high school basketball level in some states within the USA.
It should also be mentioned as well that at this time, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has instituted a rule that allows all states to adopt a shot clock for high school basketball.
This effectively means that more high school basketball leagues/districts across various states may implement a shot clock at some point in the near or distant future.
Related: High school basketball: NFHS opens door for states to adopt 35-second shot clock – MaxPreps
30 seconds
30 seconds is the current shot clock length within NCAA college basketball in addition to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
In times past, particularly in the 1985-86 season, the NCAA installed a 45-second shot clock for men’s college basketball. Following that, starting with the 1993-94 season, the shot clock was lowered to 35 seconds.
Later on, in the 2015-16 season, the NCAA instituted the current rule of 30 seconds to attempt a field goal for men’s college basketball.
In terms of women’s college basketball, the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) officially implemented a shot clock of 30 seconds during the 1970-71 season.
What’s more, at least within the NCAA college basketball level, the shot clock resets to 20 seconds following stoppage of play when the ball is already in the frontcourt or during an offensive rebound.
24 seconds
The 24-second shot clock is utilized in the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) as well as the Women’s Basketball Development Association (WBDA).
It should also be noted that in the NBA, WNBA, and FIBA, the shot clock gets reset to 14 following an offensive rebound.
Moreover, in the NBA, the shot clock could reset to 14 if a loose ball foul gets called on the defensive team following a missed free throw attempt that remains in play or a missed field goal attempt that makes contact with the rim.
This rule only applies though when the offensive team gets fouled and as a result of that foul, an offensive player would be able to inbound the ball in their team’s frontcourt.
Related: RULE NO. 7: Shot Clock – NBA Official Rulebook
Related: Shot Clock – Wikipedia